Connect with others who understand.

sign up log in
Resources
About myALZteam
Powered By

My Perspective: When You Miss the Person Sitting Right Next to You

Posted on May 12, 2019
Article written by
Lisa Hoder

I wish I would have gotten to know my aunt better before her onset of Alzheimer's.

There are so many questions I wish I could have asked her before she lost her memory. She is 99 years old and will be 100 on Christmas Eve. My mom died when I was 15, and my aunt stepped in to help my dad with me —I was a very rambunctious child, to say the least. After a few years I moved in with her and we became quite close. I later wound up moving down to Louisiana and we grew apart, although I did call her every Sunday for years. She helped put my kids in private school, and if I ever needed anything she was always there to help.

A little over three years ago, her Alzheimer’s really started to affect her. She no longer could hold a conversation on the phone and started not knowing who I was. My brothers were starting to talk about nursing homes. But there was no way I would ever let that happen! You see, I went to nursing school but unfortunately no longer work due to a stroke I suffered in 2010. Thankfully I have regained back most of the use of my right side, but I no longer work as a nurse. But with my training and the abilities I still have, I am able to care for my aunt and have made a commitment to do so until she passes. My aunt took care of her mother who also suffered from Alzheimer’s and ultimately died from this dreadful disease. I remember her telling me she would never consider placing her mom in a home, and I told her I would be here if she ever needed me. And here I am.

My aunt was somewhat of a hoarder who saved everything. All the drawers in her house are full of junk, and I've started to slowly go through them. My aunt didn't have any children, so she is leaving her house to my two brothers and me. I so wish I could talk to her about some of the things I'm finding. Some of the things I found include love letters from her husband to her— so romantic and sweet. But she doesn't even remember him. Half the time she doesn't know who I am. It's heartbreaking to watch her slowly deteriorate before my eyes. I just wish I could sit down and talk to her. It truly does break my heart. I love my aunt and miss her terribly.

My Perspective articles discuss Alzheimer's disease and dementia from a specific point of view. We understand that everyone with the condition or caring for someone with the condition has a different experience. We aim to share as many of those viewpoints as we can. We’d love to hear from you. Please submit your proposal for editorial consideration to editors@myhealthteams.com. My Perspective articles don’t reflect the opinions of MyHealthTeams staff, medical experts, partners, advertisers, or sponsors.

Posted on May 12, 2019
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.
Lisa Hoder is a member of myALZteam. Learn more about her here.

Related articles

July 15, 2021 Update:I wrote this article about two-and-a-half years ago, but last month I truly ...

My Perspective: Losing My Marital Relationship to Dementia

July 15, 2021 Update:I wrote this article about two-and-a-half years ago, but last month I truly ...
How being a caregiver has affected my life—this topic alone covers so much.I was a licensed pract...

My Perspective: When You Can’t Put Your Own Oxygen Mask On First

How being a caregiver has affected my life—this topic alone covers so much.I was a licensed pract...
Paula, who works as an administrative assistant in Los Angeles, recently got a call from her moth...

Caregiver Spotlight: Living better with Alzheimer’s

Paula, who works as an administrative assistant in Los Angeles, recently got a call from her moth...
I have been a family caregiver for five years now. It first started back in 2011 when my mom bega...

My Perspective: Make ER Trips Bearable with a Caregiver Comfort Kit

I have been a family caregiver for five years now. It first started back in 2011 when my mom bega...
myALZteam launched in December 2015 with 500 members and has grown into a community of 42,000 car...

My Perspective: I Am a Caregiver

myALZteam launched in December 2015 with 500 members and has grown into a community of 42,000 car...
myALZteam launched in December 2015 with 500 members and has grown into a community of 42,000 ca...

My Perspective: Care for the Alzheimer's Caregiver

myALZteam launched in December 2015 with 500 members and has grown into a community of 42,000 ca...

Recent articles

If you’re familiar with the challenges of life with Alzheimer’s disease, you may be interested in...

Signs of Dementia: Warnings and Next Steps

If you’re familiar with the challenges of life with Alzheimer’s disease, you may be interested in...
If you or a loved one is living with Alzheimer’s disease, you’re already aware of the impact the ...

5 Ways To Get Involved With Alzheimer’s Awareness

If you or a loved one is living with Alzheimer’s disease, you’re already aware of the impact the ...
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a general term for two different disorders of the nervous system: Par...

How Does Lewy Body Dementia Differ From Alzheimer’s Disease?

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a general term for two different disorders of the nervous system: Par...
Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that causes worsening dementia and eventually leads t...

Alzheimer’s Disease – An Overview

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that causes worsening dementia and eventually leads t...
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, many people with Alzheimer’s can imp...

Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, many people with Alzheimer’s can imp...
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis is a life-changing event that can alter the way you think about your fut...

Medical Power of Attorney and Alzheimer’s

An Alzheimer’s diagnosis is a life-changing event that can alter the way you think about your fut...
myALZteam My Alzheimer's Team

Thank you for subscribing!

Become a member to get even more:

sign up for free

close
myALZteam
Add to your home screen
myALZteam Tap below and then 'Add to Home Screen'